High levels of lead found in 12 cinnamon powder brands in US: Report

A recent investigation has found alarming levels of lead in 12 cinnamon products. Cinnamon powder sold by Paras and EGN contained the highest levels of lead.

In Short

• At least 12 cinnamon products were reported to contain high lead levels in the US
• These products exceeded the lead threshold of 1 part per million (ppm)
• The investigation also highlighted the challenges of eliminating lead from cinnamon

High levels of lead were found in at least 12 cinnamon products following a recent analysis by Consumer Reports, a non-profit organisation.

Around 36 cinnamon products were tested, including blends like garam masala and five-spice powder, from various brands available in grocery stores across the US.

Their findings revealed that 12 products, including Paras, EGN, Rani Brand and more, exceeded the lead threshold of 1 part per million (ppm) set by New York, the only US state regulating heavy metals in spices.

This is particularly concerning as just a quarter teaspoon of these cinnamon products contains more lead than the recommended daily intake.

James Rogers, director of food safety research at Consumer Reports, said, "Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously harming health."

Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women but also poses risks for adults.

An outbreak of lead poisoning affecting over 500 children last year, with the source traced to cinnamon in apple puree pouches, led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn consumers about 17 ground cinnamon products, which contained lead levels high enough to cause harm if consumed regularly.

Lead exposure is most dangerous for children, as it can damage brain development and cause behavioural and learning issues.

In adults, long-term lead exposure can lead to kidney damage, hypertension, and reproductive problems.

While the findings are concerning, the NGO did identify several cinnamon products with low or undetectable levels of lead.

Among the safest options were 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon and Loisa Organic Cinnamon. These products demonstrate that it is possible to produce cinnamon with minimal lead contamination.

The investigation also highlighted the challenges of eliminating lead from cinnamon.

Lead is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's soil, and plants can absorb it as they grow. Since cinnamon trees take around 10 years to mature, they have a long time to absorb lead from contaminated soil. The lead can then become concentrated in the spice during the drying process.

As per the organisation, most cinnamon sold in the US is imported, primarily from countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, where regulations around chemical contaminants may be less stringent. Lead can also enter the spice through processing equipment and packaging.

Consumers are advised to avoid unfamiliar or smaller brands, particularly those sold in international food markets. Sticking to well-known brands and products with lower lead levels is a safer choice, the report suggested.

For those who consume cinnamon regularly, especially in larger quantities for its potential health benefits, choosing brands with minimal lead content is essential.

Rogers recommended that consumers throw away any products that exceed the safe threshold and test their water and other food sources for lead exposure.

The report stated that after being informed of the results, Paras and EGN, the two companies with the highest lead levels, told the NGO that they would "stop selling their products and that they had told stores to remove the products from their shelves."

Mimi's Products, with the third-highest cinnamon powder, did not respond.

"Of the nine other companies with products above 1 ppm, only two replied: Deep and Yu Yee. Both said that they tested their product or relied on tests from their suppliers," the report claimed.